The Best VPNs for Gaming 2024
Gamers need fast internet speeds to keep up with their skill shots, so here are our top VPNs that offer security but won't get in the way.
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Last updated Jul 2, 2024
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Best free VPN
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
Proton VPN
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
View More
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We determined NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark are the best virtual private networks (VPNs) for gaming based on connection speeds, latency, features, and more.
NordVPN is best for protecting your PC or console while barely affecting your internet connection. Proton VPN offers a free plan for some basic gaming protection. And Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with unlimited devices and great internet speeds.
Let’s dig into these gaming VPNs to find out which one is the MVP.
In this article
The best VPNs for gamingHow we tested the best VPNs for gaming
NordVPN
Proton VPN
Surfshark
Honorable mentions
Speed tests
How to choose a VPN for gaming
Why should you use a VPN for gaming?
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for gaming
The best VPNs for gaming
- NordVPN: Best for fast speeeds
- Proton VPN: Best free plan
- Surfshark: Best value
Top 3 VPN services for gamers compared
| VPN | 
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|
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| Starting price | Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $4.49/mo | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) |
| Server count | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 6,200+ in 96 countries |
| Max devices | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Router configuration | |||
| Streaming support | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Proton VPN | Get Surfshark |
How we tested the best VPNs for gaming
While testing and reviewing VPNs for gaming, we focused on a few key features to ensure we recommended the best of the best. These include:
- Speeds and latency: Our top priority was maintaining a fast internet speed. All three of our top VPNs had the limited impact on speeds and ping to keep our gaming experience lag-free.
- Unlimited bandwidth and data: Nothing ruins a game like a cap on data or bandwidth. We only chose VPNs with unlimited bandwidth and data.
- Quick connect: A high-quality VPN makes it easy to connect to the fastest server near you with a click of a button.
- Router connection: Consoles can't install VPNs, so you'll need to install it on your router to cover all devices connected to it. We made sure our chosen VPNs offered this option and provided instructions on how to install a VPN on your router.
- Overall security: Security is essential to masking your IP address and preventing data leaks as well as other security risks like DDoS.
If you're looking for an extra layer of security, consider the best antivirus software for gamers. Bundles that include antivirus protection + a secure VPN offer the most comprehensive coverage.
NordVPN: Best for fast speeds
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is great for gamers looking for a reliable connection without compromising on speed. With thousands of servers in over 100 countries, you likely won't have to deal with server overcrowding.
What we liked
Lots of VPNs claim they are the fastest, but NordVPN proved that its among the speediest during our testing. It increased our download speeds with every server location we tested. Even with an Australian server, Nord increased our speed by 12%.
NordVPN offers its Meshnet feature for free. Meshnet allows you to create virtual networks for a LAN, or local area network, party. That way, you'll be able to connect your network and play video games with your friends regardless of where they're based.
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You can also choose to use its SmartPlay feature to spoof your location for devices not able to directly install the NordVPN app, like your gaming consoles. Just note that it lacks the security features of a VPN.
What we didn’t like
NordVPN's ping rates may be too high with servers that are from from your physical location. For instance, the U.K. server increased our ping to 210 ms while the Australian server increased our ping to 370 ms.
We imagine most people using a VPN while gaming will be selecting nearby servers, but Nord could cause some severe lag if you select these faraway servers.
NordVPN specs
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Server count | 6,400 servers in 111 countries |
| Max devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Average speed | 394.15 Mbps |
| DNS leak test | Pass |
| Kill switch test | Pass |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Proton VPN: Best free pla
Proton VPN
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Easy to use
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A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN is a great option for gamers looking for basic security on a budget. It's the only VPN on our list with a free subscription plan available — though Proton’s free plan is limited in terms of servers and devices.
What we liked
We're usually wary of free VPNs, but Proton offers one of best. You can cover one device and you won't have any limits on bandwidth or speed.
The free plan also offers servers in the United States, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, and Japan. So for any gamers based in the U.S., you'll have a closeby server option to keep speeds from decreasing too much.
With Proton’s VPN Plus plan, you'll get access to its 10 Gbps servers, making it a premier option for gamers who want the security of a VPN without losing their fast internet speed. It's also great to watch Netflix with a VPN abroad, with over 6,200 servers in 96 countries.
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Speaking of security, it's hard to find fault with Proton VPN. It includes:
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Ad blocker
- Safe file sharing
- Based in Switzerland, a country with strict data privacy laws
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Built-in Tor support
- DNS leak protection
- No personal identifying information is needed to sign up for ProtonVPN
What we didn’t like
Compared to other VPNs, Proton VPN is a bit more expensive with plans starting at $4.49/mo.
Proton VPN does have a free plan, but it's limited in its capabilities. You can only connect it to one device, and it only has a couple hundred servers in five countries (the U.S., the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan). You'll need to upgrade to the paid plan to access its fastest servers.
Proton VPN specs
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Server count | 6,200 servers in 96 countries |
| Max devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, Stealth |
| Average speed | 75.61 Mbps |
| DNS leak test | Pass |
| Kill switch test | Pass |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN
Read ProtonVPN Review |
Surfshark: Best value
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is best for people who are looking for an affordable VPN for gaming without compromising on speed. Because of Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous VPN connections, it's also a great option for large households or people with several devices.
What we liked
When it comes to speed, Surfshark won't heavily impact your gaming experience. With the VPN turned on, it only bumped up the latency by 17 ms. Download speeds didn't slow significantly, and there was zero difference in upload speed.
Surfshark also includes split tunneling with its Bypasser feature. This means you can turn the VPN on for your game, but let other apps like your browser use an unencrypted Wi-Fi connection.
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We're also pleased that Surfshark completed an independent audit by Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy.[1] As long as you're using the VPN, Surfshark can't track your online activity.
The VPN also has other premium security features to protect your data, including an ad and malware blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and two-factor authentication.
Surfshark lets you quickly connect to the fastest VPN server with the click of a button. Just choose "Fastest location" when picking your server.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy, but it's still headquarted in The Netherlands. The Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes alliance, so it may be subject to turning over data with the other countries in the alliance.
Surfshark also offers a seven-day free trial but only for Android, iOS, and macOS devices. This means you can't try it out on your PC or router before handing over your credit card information. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark specs
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Server count | 6,400 servers in 111 countries |
| Max devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Average speed | 298.09 Mbps |
| DNS leak test | Pass |
| Kill switch test | Pass |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router configuration | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Honorable mentions
When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. During our review, we made speed and latency the top priority, and these VPNs weren't quick enough to make our list.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is great for gamers looking for a reliable connection for their consoles without compromising on speed. With server locations in over 100 countries, you can easily play games with anyone in the world.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is one of the most affordable and user-friendly VPNs. It's a secure VPN with servers optimized for gaming, streaming, enhanced privacy, and other purposes.
- Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is a budget-friendly VPN that also allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. It comes with all the features you need for privacy, including two kill switches, split tunneling, and an ad and malware blocker.
Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review
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Speed tests
Every VPN we review is tested for speed. Especially for gaming, it's important that your VPN doesn't cause your device to lag and buffer due to slow performance.
| VPN speed to US server | Normal speed | Speed loss | |
| NordVPN | 430.75 Mbps | 297.64 Mbps | 45% increase |
| Proton VPN | 79.88 Mbps | 94.04 Mbps | 15% decrease |
| Surfshark | 333.43 Mbps | 345.75 Mbps | 4% decrease |
NordVPN was the speediest of our three VPNs for gaming, increasing our speeds by 45%. Both Surfshark and Proton VPN still slowed our speeds, but not enough to impact our device's performance.
How to choose a VPN for gaming
When choosing a VPN for gaming, consider these questions to find the right fit for you:
- How much does it cost? Affordability is important, but don't forget to consider any extra security features you may get which could justify a higher price.
- What devices are compatible with the VPN? If you want a VPN for more than one device, be sure to check if the VPN is compatible with your operating system.
- Is there a free trial or money-back guarantee? Sometimes you don't know if you'll like a VPN before you try it. A free trial or money-back guarantee can help you test the speeds of the servers before committing to the purchase.
- Does it offer a large number of servers? More servers mean more opportunities to connect to a fast server.
- Is there support to install a VPN on a router? Some providers provide step-by-step instructions while others take a more simplified approach. If you need to install a VPN on a router, you may want to consider the support you can get along the way.
- Does it have a no-logs policy? A no-logs policy ensures your data is encrypted and the VPN provider doesn't store any of your data.
- Does it use secure protocols to encrypt traffic? Some VPN protocols are more secure than others. WireGuard and OpenVPN tend to be the most popular choices.
If you use Steam to purchase and download video games, know the most common Steam gift card scams.
Why should you use a VPN for gaming?
Reasons to use a VPN while gaming include increased speed and better security. Here are the details on how a VPN can benefit you:
- A VPN can protect you from any malicious actors you encounter while online gaming. With a VPN, you'll be able to hide your IP address and remain protected from cyberthreats like distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and doxxing.
- If you're using a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN will keep your online activities secure from unwanted third parties.
- Gaming is a high-bandwidth activity, which might lead your internet service provider (ISP) to deliberately slow down your speeds. A VPN will keep your online activities hidden from your ISP and you can select one with a bandwidth cap.
- You can also use a VPN to access geo-restricted games. You'll just need to select a server in a country that offers the game you want to play,
Best VPNs for gaming FAQs
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Does a VPN help with gaming?
A VPN doesn't usually help with gaming in terms of speed. However, it can help protect your privacy and prevent threats like doxxing or distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. A VPN is also useful to prevent bandwidth throttling from your ISP.
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What’s the fastest VPN for gaming?
The fastest VPN for gaming is NordVPN. While testing it, we experienced only a minimal latency increase, and you could potentially connect to a server faster than your own. Some other fast VPNs include Proton VPN and Surfshark. Whichever VPN you choose, it's best to choose a server near your physical location to get the quickest internet speeds.
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What VPN do most streamers use?
Most streamers use a VPN that successfully masks their IP address without slowing down their internet connection. A VPN can protect against DDoS attacks or doxxing attacks. It can also prevent ISP throttling for using a large amount of bandwidth. Some popular VPN choices for gaming include NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark.
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What’s the best free VPN for gaming?
The best free VPN for gaming is Proton VPN. While it does have fast speeds, the free plan limits your server choices and doesn’t provide the same lightning-fast results as the paid version.
Check out other free VPNs to ensure you have the best experience. Carefully do your research and pick a provider that doesn't secretly collect your data and sell it to third parties.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for gaming
The best VPNs for gaming all provided the quickest speeds and lowest latency among the VPNs we tested, and all three also made our list of the best VPNs overall.
If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, then Surfshark can easily protect you without affecting your online gaming. Proton VPN was the clear winner for speed, with minimal impacts on download speeds and latency. If you don't mind paying extra for reliability and help with a router VPN, then ExpressVPN has your back.
3 best VPNs for gaming 2024
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
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Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for fast speeds | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
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Starts at $4.49/mo | Best free plan | Get Proton VPN Read ProtonVPN Review |
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Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Best value | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Author Details
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Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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